In this episode, I interview Dr. Chris Hageseth of Ft. Collins, Colorado. Dr. Hageseth is a retired physician and Marine flight surgeon, with decades of experience in the field of psychiatry. After receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease over five years ago and being dissatisfied with the cost and effects of his medications, he began investigating a wide-range of exercises and holistic bodymind practices. His regimen, which includes meditation, yoga, intensive exercise, and lots of walking, has allowed Dr. Hageseth to control his symptoms even without the use of medications. Please see below for a synopsis of the topics in our interview (including many useful links), which include Dr. Hageseth's personal regimen, the training he is now offering others, the experience of members of the Ft. Collins PD support group using medical marijuana, and the practice of mindfulness meditation.

PALM SPRINGS, California — An exercise program based on the Feldenkrais Method can improve the mood and quality of life among people with Parkinson's disease, a new study shows.

By damaging neurologic functioning, Parkinson's disease often diminishes quality of life and leads to depression.

"The Feldenkrais Method uses easy movement and breath control and flexibility and balance to facilitate more control in the whole body," said first author Lavinia Teixeira-Machado, PT, PhD, from the Education in Health Department, Federal University of Sergipe in Sergipe, Brazil. "I use it in cerebral palsy, autism, and Down syndrome."

"When you have Parkinson's, everything is therapy. Your activities of daily living - every single one of them - provide you with an opportunity to add a little more grace, a little more strength, a little better body alignment, and a little more safety."

In this 33-minute podcast, I interview Dr. Paul Zeiger - retired professor of engineering, pioneer of yoga for Parkinson's, and avid exerciser at the age of 79. Topics in the interview include: Dr. Zeiger's personal experience being diagnosed with Parkinson's 10 years ago, the use of yoga practice to address symptoms of the disease, teaching yoga for Parkinson's to others, the way the Parkinson's treatment picture has evolved in the past decade, mutual support for Parkinson's patients and their care partners, and Dr. Zeiger's personal walking and exercise regimen today. For more information, please see the website created by Dr. Zeiger and his wife, Dr. Carolyn Allen Zeiger:

In this episode of the podcast, I interview Dr. Benzi Kluger - neurologist, Parkinson's researcher, Director of the Movement Disorders Center at the University of Colorado Hospital, and all-around great guy! Topics include: Dr. Kluger's background working with Parkinson's, advice for people newly diagnosed with the disease, information about the Movement Disorders Center, discussion of the new Palliative Care Clinic for Parkinson's at the CU Hospital (as well as palliative care for Parkinson's more generally), and Dr. Kluger's thoughts on mindfulness - in his own life, as well as for those with Parkinson's Disease.